Spring Stroll this Weekend in West Hartford

Spring has officially sprung; the days are longer and the weather is getting warmer.

West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square once again have teamed up to host the second annual Spring Stroll, “SHOP- DINE- STROLL- CARE” on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The stroll provides residents of West Hartford and surrounding communities the opportunity to shop and dine with special discounts and offers, while learning about and supporting charitable organizations.

“We wanted to host an event that not only offered retail excitement, but also offered an educational element that allows our business community to showcase products and services that help build a brighter future, locally and globally, for those in need,” says Barbara Karsky of .

Local businesses participating in the event include, , , , , BK&CO, , , , , , , Artichoke, , West Hartford Magazine and Patch. Each of these businesses is supporting a local charity by donating a portion of the day’s sales to the charity of their choice.

“We really see this as an amazing opportunity to let people know about all the wonderful charities helping people in the communities where we all live,” said Barbara Lerner, project marketing manager for . 

The collection of local charities that will benefit from the stroll, include Sunrise Sudan, Women of Change, Dress a Girl Around the World, the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure Connecticut, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, , Fair Trade Coffee, Food Share, House of Bread, Love146, and the .  

“We’re excited to bring important issues of our time to the community of West Hartford,” said Rosie DeRobertis, President of the West Hartford Merchants Association. “We are hoping that we can inspire people to become smart activists. Our hope is that people will come and learn about all of the wonderful causes being supported by amazing people in the community and this event.”

DeRobertis notes that there will also be plenty of family entertainment, such as face painting, balloon making, outdoor art, jugglers, street performers, informal modeling, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Chain of Change and other exciting activities.

To get in on the discounts and promotional offerings, shoppers can pick up free paper butterflies at the Patch booth located at the corner of Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Avenue in West Hartford Center. Businesses partnering with the Spring Stroll will post a paper butterfly in their store window to make them easy to spot.  Shopper can enjoy a special discount, free tasting, or gift with purchase.

Submitted release